Looking to add new software to my lineup. Basically, I want non-preset based synths so I can get some hardcore editing going on, but also, realism is key, of course. So what do you recommend? I already have Sylenth, Vanguard, and an Arturia Moog Modular, but as far as hyper-realistic VST's, that's all I've got.

I'm guessing analog. Which leads me to wonder why you would want to emulate something that is already so accessable.

I've thought about this whole industry-wide obsession with emulation a bit recently. I've come to the conclusion that it just ends up being a farce. To me, emulation in and of itself is always going to fall short. Simply because different types of technology will always behave differently. I'm not saying 100% emulation could not be done, but I'm just not convinced yet. We've already had the unamazing component modeling of Korg, what next electron modeling? Copper temperature coefficient modelling? Come on..

As a musician, if you're serious I'd advise not to buy into all that manufacturer motivated c**p.

Call me a purist if you will, I just say use your ears. (and by saying that I'm not necessarily implying either is "better" that the other)

Well, since this is the software synthesizers section, I'd say the answer he is likely looking for is 'Diva'. Yes, more accurate models consume more CPU. Yes, models are getting more accurate. If things like Diva use 'too much' of your CPU, it may be time for you to upgrade.

As well as Diva, look into u-he's A.C.E. You might find this overlaps with the Arturia Moog however. The u-he stuff is particularly nice because it's designed with the sonics in mind, not the CPU load.

I'm guessing analog. Which leads me to wonder why you would want to emulate something that is already so accessable.

Maybe because he just prefers or needs ITB. I owned real analog gear back in the day and have owned a number of modern instruments, including some modulars. As much as I liked them, I got rid of all of it except a DSI Evolver.

For $100 A.C.E. does a fantastic job of covering what my last modular (about $3K worth when I sold it) could do...plus it's polyphonic, has patch storage, MIDI automation, etc. Not for everyone, but a good fit for me.

I listened to Hatfield and the North at Rainbow. They were very wonderful and they made my heart a prisoner.

DIVA by a longshot. There is no contest. I love plenty of other VA's. They are great in their own ways, but if we are talking sheer analog authenticity, there is no doubt that the technology used in DIVA is the future. It is the only softsynth I've ever played that really sounds like analog circuits.

Diva sounds seriously good. Check out some Soundcloud demos. I liked it so much that I jumped into real analog shortly after it came out. If that makes any sense.

It requires so much CPU for polyphony at the top quality settings that you may end up spending more on a new computer than you would on getting a couple real analogs, though. But then you have all the flexibility of software, it will never break, presets and all that.

If it had a dedicated control surface that could handle switching between instances of Diva smoothly, it would be insane. I've thought about getting a BCR2000 to dedicate to a couple instances of it.

I've not heard Diva yet but if it simulates voice tolerances, I owe it to myself to try it out. Of my own plugs, Sonic Projects OPX Pro II, with a bit of midrange notch EQ, is my pick.

I am no longer in pursuit of vintage synths. The generally absurd inflation from demand versus practical use and maintenance costs is no longer viable. The internet has suffocated and vanquished yet another wonderful hobby. Too bad.
--Solderman no more.